Signal apparatus



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' SIGNAL APPARATUS Filed June 6, 1932 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTORS ATTORNEY.

J. c. Low/Rv En' AL A SIGNAL APPARATUS Filed June 6, 1952 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 ATTORNEY.

Patented Apr. 7, 1936 PATENT GFFICE SIGNAL APPARATUS Julius C. Lowry and Ora M. Bybolt. Detroit, Mich.

Application June 6, 1932, Serial No. 615,518

7 Claims.

This invention relates to signal apparatus and is more particularly designed for use with a dial telephone but is not limited to such usage, and the principal feature and object of the invention s resides in the provision of a device of this character which is normally out of engagement with the telephone to permit the same to be used in the usual manner but which will automatically engage the dial portion of the telephone at a predetermined time so that a predetermined number may be dialed and which is provided 'with means for raising the receiver to maire connection with the central office prior to the dialing operation.

Another object of the invention resides in the provision of signal apparatus for use `with a telephone which will automatically raise the .receiver at a predetermined time Ato maire connection with the central exchange and which will send a predetermined message through the trans mitter upon raising of the receiver.

Another object ol the invention resides in the provision of a signal apparatus for use with a telephone which is normally out of engagement with the telephone and which is connected with a thermally controlled circuit whereby closing oi the thermally controlled circuit Will automatically rnove the signal apparatus into engagement with. the dial of the telephone and which will automatically raise vthe receiver to make connection with the central oce and which will autornaticabI ly rotate the dial to call a predetermined telephone number.

Another object of the invention resides in the provision oi a signal apparatus for use with a dial telephone which is provided with a rotating finger for engaging in one oi the apertures in the dial and which is positively rotated in one direction for rotating the dial and which is provided 4U with means for automatically releasing the driving means from the finger ior permitting the dial to rotate the ringer back to its original starting position for permitting the succeeding numbers of the series to be dialed.

Another object of the invention resides in the provision of a signal apparatus for use with a dial telephone which is connected with 'a normally open circuit, theA circuit beingr arranged to close at a predetermined time for setting the signal apparatus in operation whereby a predetermined signal or message may be sent through the transmitter of the telephone to any desired point;

These objects and the several novel features of the invention are hereinafter more :fully den scribed and claimed and the preferred form of*- construction by which these objects are attained is shown in the accompanying drawings in which- Fig. 1 is an elevational view of a dial telephone having our improved signal apparatus in position for operatively engaging the same.

Fig. 2 is a section taken on line 2--2 of Fig. 1 showing the signal apparatus operatively connected to the dial telephone.

Fig. 3 is a section taken substantially on line t-t of Fig. 2.

Fig. i is a detail sectional view taken on line t--t of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line b-li of Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is a detail sectional view taken on e t-t oi lig. 2.

Fig. 'l' is a plan view oi the control mechm.

Fig. t is a side elevational view thereof.

Fig. 9 is a section taken on line il-t of Fig. t.

Fig. lil is a section talren on line itllt ci llig. 9.

Fig. ll is a diagrammatic wiring view.

Referring to the drawings, the telephone i is of the usual type and comprises the base l, the standard il, the transmitter t, the receiver t and the rotating dial il having a plurality oi apertures l therein through which the usual various letters and numbers on the portion il are visible. 'The receiver t is supported on the usual arm t which will automatically move to make a connection with the central exchange when the receiver ll is lifted therefrom. We have here shown the telephone l as being placed in a recess lll formed in the Wall l l but it is to be understood that the telephone may be placed in any convenient location.

A bracket iii suitably secured to the base of the recess it? is formed with the curved bifurcated arms it for engaging the standard 3 of the telephone While the brackets lil are secured to the base of the recess it and engage the base t oi the telephone whereby the dial t will be accurately positioned at all times relative to the finger it when the telephone is placed in the recess lt. .il disc it is suitably secured to the upper end oi the rod il and is positioned just beloW the receiver 5 and is vertically movable in a manner to be hereinafter described to lift the receiver 5 at a predetermined time to permit the arm 9 to make connection with the central exchange. A box like housing i8 is pivotally secured at I9 to a second box like housing 2i) the same being suitably secured to the base of the recess Ill. The electromagneis ll are suitably secured to the base 22 of the housing it and a plate 23 is pivotally secured at 24 to the base 22 and will be drawn to the dotted line position shown in Fig. 3 upon energization of the magnets 2i. A spring 24 has one end connected to the plate or armature 23 while the opposite end is connected to the standard or bracket 25 suitably secured to the base 22 and holds the armature 23 in the position shown in full lines in Fig. 3 upon cie-energization of the magnets 2i. A

` ratchet wheel 2G is mounted upon the shaft 2l to rotate therewith the shaft being rotatably mounted in the bracket 25 and in the base 22. The lower end of the shaft 2l has one end of the arm 28 suitably secured thereto while the free end of the arm has the depending nger i5 secured thereto.

A stationary sleeve 29 encircles the shaft 2'! and a. spring 30 has one end secured to the ratchet 26 and its opposite end to the stationary sleeve 29 and the spring is arranged to return the ratchet 26 to its original position against the stop 3l upon release or" the dogs 32 and 33. A rod 34 has one end slidably mounted in the bearing 35 car- 'ried by the bracket 25 and the opposite end is pivotally connected at 36 to the armature 23. The spring pressed dog 32 is pivotally secured to the bracket 31 suitably secured to the rod 32. 'I'he spring 38 normally keeps the dog 32 in engagement with the ratchet wheel 26 while the spring 39 normally holds the dog 33 in engagement with the ratchet 26. The dog 33 is pivotally connected at 4D to the standard 4i and a releasing arm 42 is pivoted at 43 to the standard 4i and the upper end thereof yengages one end of the dog 33. An electromagnet 44 is suitably secured to the base 22 and the armature 45 is positioned adjacent one end thereof and is pivotally connected at 46 to the base 22 of the housing lil. A bar 4T Ais pivotally connected at 48 to the armature 45 and the opposite end is connected at 49 to the lower end of the releasing arm 42. It will be seen that the upper end of the armature 45 engages behind the dog 32 so that energization of the magnet 44 will move the dog 32 out of engagement with the ratchet 26 and at the same time through the link 4l' and the arm 42 the dog 33 will be moved out of engagement with the ratchet 25.

It will thus be noted that when the eiectron magnets 2l are energized that the armature 23 will be drawn thereto and upon cle-energization of the magnets the spring 215i will move the armature to the full line position shown in Fig. 3 and during this movement the dog 32 will advance the ratchet 25 a distance of one tooth and the dog 33 will latch the ratchet and p revent return of the same. It will be seen that the nger l5 engaging in the aperture "i will move the dial 5 in a clockwise direction a predetermined distance by mechanism to be more fully described and at a predetermined time the circuit through the magnet 44 will be closed drawing the armature 45 thereto and releasing the pawls 32 and 33 permitting the spring 35 to return the arm 28 to its original position against the stop 3i. The electric circuit through the magnet 45 will then be broken allowing the dogs 32 and 33 to be forced in by the respective springs to engage the ratchet 26 for permitting a second number to be dialed. An electromagnet 5G is suitably secured to the base of the housing 20 and the armature 5i is positioned adjacent one end thereof the intermediate portion of the armature being pivotally connected at 52 to the bracket 53. The armature 5i has a dat portion 54 which extends in toward aosaeao the center of the housing 56 and ls engaged by the spring 55 which tends to move the end 54 in the direction of the arrow as shown in Fig. 4. The rod is pivotally connected to the base 22 of the housing i8 and extends through a suitable aperture in the top of the housing 2i).

The bracket 53 is formed with the elongated aperture 5i" through which the rod 56 extends and when the housing it is in its raised position, as shown in Fig. l, the lower end of the rod 56 will rest on the portion 54 of the armature and will hold the housing i8 in its raised position whereby the ringer i5 is out of engagement with the aperture 'i in the dial 6 permitting the telephone i to be removed from the recess i0 for convenient use thereof. The spring 55 will normally hold the portion 54 under the lower end of the rod 56 but upon energization of the electromagnet 50 by a mechanism to be hereinafter de scribed the armature 5l will be drawn toward the core of the magnet 50 and will move the armature to the position shown in Fig. 4 whereupon the housing i8 will drop down to the position shown in Fig. 3 permitting the finger I5 to engage the correct aperture 'l in the dial 6. Inasmuch as when the housing casing I8, when lowered to position remains in such lowered position during the dialing, the finger may conveniently engage the last of the series of apertures 'l of the dial and then remains in said aperture during the dialing operation by means of the ratchet wheel 26. A dashpot 58 is pivotally secured to the base of the housing 20 and the plunger 59 thereof is pivotally secured to the base 22 of the housing i8 so that the housing I8 will be lowered gradually to prevent damage to any of the different parts of the mechanism. An arm 60 is pivotally connected at 6i to the base 22 and one end thereof engages the release arm 42 while the opposite end is engaged by the beveled surpivot 6i and the end thereof engaging the release arm 42 will move the release arm [l2 and the armature 'Q5 so that the dogs 32 and 33 will be moved out of engagement with the ratchet wheel 26. The arm 28 may be freely rotated when the housing i8 is in its raised position but will aiways return to its original starting point by action of the spring 35. It will thus be noted that if anyone should accidentally move the arm 28 that no damage will be done and the finger i 5 will always be in its proper relationship relative to the disc 5. Upon release of the armature 5i for permitting the housing i5 to fall by gravity to engage the dial the plunger 63 will be raised by coming into Contact with the upper surface of the housing 20 and will permit the springs for the respective pawls 32 and 33 to again move the pawls into engagement with the ratchet whereupon the parts are in position to dial a predetermined number. The control mechanism is preferably positioned in a recess in the wall il below the recess i3 the recess thereof being preferably closed by the door '10. 'Ihe control mechanism is preferably mounted upon the base 'H and comprises an electric motor i2 having a drive shaft 13 the same being formed with a worm I meshing with the worm gear "I5 mounted upon the vertical shaft 16.

A plate 11 is held in superimposed relation to the base 1| and a gear or serrated disc 18 is positioned above the plate 11 and is mounted upon a rod 19 carried in suitable bearings in the base 1| and the plate 11. A disc 80 of slightly smaller diameter than the gear 'I8 is positioned thereabovejand a plurality of segments 8| are positioned'in the space between the gear 18 and the disc 80 and it will be noted by referring to Fig. 7 that the segments 8| extend slightly beyond the outer periphery of the serrations or teeth oi. the gear 18. It will be further noted that the segments may be positioned at different places around the 'periphery of the gear 'it to permit different numbers to be dialed. A spring arm 82 has one end engaging in the teeth in the gear 'i8 and an electrical contact Bt is positioned adjacent the arm B2 and the arm will close the circuit through the arm 8d when the arm 82 is between the teeth of the gear 'I8 but as the gear rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in Fig. 7 then contact between the arms B2 and 82 will be broken by the teeth. When each of the segments 8| strike against the arm 82 the contact with the arm 83 will not only be broken but a' contact will be made between the arms t2 and dd. A spring pressed arm 85 is positioned above the disc 80 and is adapted to be engaged by the insulated block 86 secured to the disc' 80. When the insulated block 86 strikes the arm 85 contact will be made between the 4arm 85 and the contact 81| for a purpose to be hereinafter described.

A disc B8 is mounted upon .the shaft 69 extending between the plate 'Ii and the base 1| and is formed with a notch 89 which is engaged by an arm 9|] extending from the armature 9|, the same being actuated in one direction by the electromagnet 92 against the action of the spring 93. A pair of contact members @It and 9b are positioned adjacent the arm t@ and upon energize.- tion of themagnet 92 and the consequent moving of the armature 9| a contact will be made between the contact members @d and 95, likewise for a purpose to lbe hereinafter described. An arm et is also secured to rotate with the shaft 69 and is adapted to strike against the contact 9| to it@ pivotally mounted thereon the same being aligned with the cylindrical portion itil and the beveled face |02. It will thus be noted that as the disc tit rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in Fig. lll that the beveled surface il|l2l will raise the rod |`I and will hold the same in its raised position until the opening ||l| comes into alignment therewith whereupon the rod will fall by gravity and the roller |03 will ride on the disc tt until the disc is again rotated whereupon the rod will again be lifted as heretofore described.

The contact arm |015 is secured to the rod and when raised will strike the contact thereby closing an electrical circuit for a purpose to be hereinafter described. It will be understood that the gear 18 and the disc 83 will be rotated by the worm 1li and the worm gear 15 through a suitable train of gears as shown in Figs. 8 to 10 inclusive. It will be understood that the disc 88 will rotate relatively slow in comparison to the gear 18 the disc 88 making one revolution while .the gear 18 is preferably making ten revolutions.

Referring now to the wiring diagram shown in Fig. 11 the wire H0 has one end connected to a source of current supply (not shown) and the opposite end to the contact and the wire ||I has one end connected to the opposite source of current supply and the opposite end connected to the motor 12. A wire 2 is connected to the motor 12 and to the switch arm 94. The transformer I I3 has the primary winding thereof connected to the wires ||0 and The wire is connected to one side of the secondary winding of the transformer and the opposite end is connected to the bell IIB or any other suitable signaling device. A wire |||i is connected to the opposite terminal of the signaling device ||5 and to the bimetal element Hl.

A second bimetal element I8 is in spaced relation to the element and has one end of the wire ||9 connected thereto the opposite end of the wire being connected to the contact |20. The wire |2| is connected to the wire ||9 and to the secondary winding of the transformer IIS intermediate its outer ends. A wire |22 has one end connected to the outer terminal of the secondary winding of the transformer ||3 and the opposite end to the contact |04. A wire |32 has one end connected to the secondary winding of the transformer ||3 intermediate the ends thereof the opposite end being connected to the contact E2G. An electromagnet |25 is suitably secured to the base 'II and the armature |26 is normally L held away from the core of the magnet by the spring |21 and the contacts |20 and |23 are closed by the armature |26 when the electromagnet |25 is cie-energized and while the contacts l2@ and |29 are closed bythe armature upon energization of the electromagnet. The wire |32 has one end connected to the rectifier |3| for changing alternating current to direct currentthe opposite end of the wire being connected to the armature |26 and the wire |32 is connected to the opposite terminal of the rectifier |3 i. A Wire |33 has one end connected to the rectier while the opposite end is connected vto the electromagnet 2| and the wire |313 is connected to the wire |33 and to the electro-magnet Mt while the wire |35 connects the electromagnet MI to the electromagnet 58.

The wire |36 is connected to the electromagnet 5d and to the Contact arm Bt and the wire itl is connected to the electromagnet 2| and to the contact 'arm 33. A wire |38 .is connected to the contact |29 and to the contact arm t'i and a wire |39 is connected to the wire |38 and to the electromagnet |25. A wire Mil is connected to the electromagnet |25 and to the wire |33. A wire Mil leads from rectifier to the terminal |535. A wire |42 is connected to the electromagnet 92 and to the terminal 91| and a wire M3 is connected to the electromagnet 92 `and to the contact Mii positioned adjacent the bimetallic element It will thus be noted that in the event of a rise in temperature above a predetermined point that the bimetallic element i8 will bend and contact the element ||1 thereby closing the circuit through the signal H5 giving warning of a dangerous rise in temperature. If the temperature continues to rise above a second predetermined point then thebimetallic element ||1 will bend and make contact with the post |40 closing the circuit through the electromagnet S2 as the contacts 91 and 98 are at this time closed by the lll arm 96. The armature will be moved over toward the electromagnct 92 disergaging the arm 90 from the notch 89 in the disc 88. Movement of the armature will close the circuit through the contacts 94 and 95 and complete the circuit through the motor 12 starting the same to operate and rotating the gear i8 and the disc 88.`

One of the segments 8i will be in a position to strike against the arm 82 soon after the gear 18 starts to rotate and will move the arm 82v over into contact with the arm 34 closing the circuit through the electromagnet 50 and the electromagnet 44. It will thus be seen that energization of the magnet 50 will move the portion 54 of the armature out from under the rod 56 allowing the casing I8 to fall by gravity to the position shown in Fig. 3 and the nger I5 will engage in the correct aperture 1 in the disc 6. Energization cf the magnet 44 will move the armature 45 over into contact with the core of the magnet and will hold the dogs 32 and 33 out of engagement with the ratchet 26. After the first segment 8| has moved by the armv 82 the end of the arm 82 will spring 'into the serrations or teeth in the gear 18 and the teeth will form a make and break between the contacts 82 and 83 and when the contact is made the circuit will be closed through the electromagnet 2| and will draw the armature 23 over to the core of the magnet. When the high point of the tooth moves the arm 82 out of contact with the arm 83 the circuit through the magnet 2| will be broken and since the dogs 32 and 33 are in a position to engage the ratchet 26 as the circuit through the magnet 44 has been broken then the spring 24 will move the armature 23 away from the magnet 2| and the dog 32 will move the ratchet 26 a distance of one tooth and the dog 33 will engage the next tooth to prevent the spring 30 from returning the ratchet to its normal position.

This movement of the ratchet will rotate the arm 28 and the nger l5 and move the dial 6 a distance corresponding to the distance between two apertures therein. When the next tooth in the gear 18 again breaks contact between the arms 82 and 83 the ratchet 26 and the dial 6 will be advanced another step. This will continue until the next segment 0| strikes the arm 82 breaking the circui*- through the arms 82 and 83 and moving the arm 82 into contact with the arm 84 again closing the circuit through the magnets 50 and 44. Energization oi' the magnet 50 will have no effect upon the operation of the device as the housing |8 is already in its lowered condition but energization of the magnet 44 will move the armature 45 to release the dogs 32 and 33 from the ratchet 20, allowing the dial 6 to be returned to its normal position thereby giving the correct number of electrical impulses through the telephone circuit so that a selector (not shown) at the central exchange (not shown) will be picked up in the usual manner. After the segment 8| has passed by the arm 82 a second series of impulses will be given to the magnet 2| and a second number will be dialed. This will continue until the complete series of numbers has been dialed which will take place in one revolution of the gear 18. It will be noted that by moving the segments 8| to the different positions to blank off different teeth of the gear 18 that any number may be dialed by properly sett-ing the discs in ze segments 8|.

It will be seen that since the disc 80 is put in rotation at the same time as the gear 18 that the beveled face |02 of the ring |00 will raise the rod aussage 50 and will close the contacts Hifi and 05 while the disc |6 on the end of the rod |1 will lift the receiver 5 so that the arm 9 is free to raise in the usual manner to close the telephone circuit to the central exchange. When the contacts |04 and |05 are closed by raising of the rod l1 the circuit through the filter 3| will be closed.v It will thus be noted that when the contacts |04 and |05 are opened that there will be no current flowing through any of the electromagnets. After the gear 18 has made one revolution the post 86 will strike the arm 85 and move the same over to contact the arm 81 completing the circuit through the electromagnet |25 and energizing the same and pulling the armature |26 over to the core of the magnet thereby breaking the circuit through the contacts |20 and |26 so that the make and break between the contacts 82 and 83 will have no effect upon the electromagnet 2| so that the armature 23 will remain stationary' during further rotations of the gear 18. The armature |26 will, when moved over to the core of the magnet |25, close the circuit through the contacts |24 and |29 and will drop the voltage of the current passing through the magnet |25 and through the filter 3|. The disc |40 which is suitably secured to the shaft |4| will be rotating when the motor 12 is put in operation and a record |42 having any desired message inscribed therein will be engaged by the needle |43 carried by the usual reproducing mechanism |44.

The sound will be carried through the tunnels |45 formed in the wall 1| and into the recess l0 through the grilles |46 and will be heard through the transmitter 4 of the telephone Any suitable type of repeater (not shown) may be placed on the record |42 to carry the needle from the inner groove of the record back to the outer groove or starting point so that the message will be continuously repeated as long as the disc is rotating. After the gear 18 has made approximately ten revolutions the disc 88 will have made approximately one revolution and the rod I1 will drop down into the notch |0| in the cyiindrical member |00 and will break the circuit through the rectier 3| and consequently through the electromagnet |25 allowing the spring |21 to retract the armature |26 to the position shown in Fig. 11. The motor circuit, however, will be closed as long as the bimetal elements |I8 and ||1 are in engagement with the contact |40 so that the disc 88 and the gear 18 are continuously rotating and since the armature |26 closes the circuit between the contacts |20 and |26 the circuit to the magnet 2| will again be completed by the arm 82 engaging in the serrations or teeth in the gear 18 as was heretofore described so in the event that the telephone that was dialed was busy or the phone was not answered the number will again be dialed and the message repeated. 'I'his will keep up indefinitely as long as the circuit through the motor is closed.

It is necessary therefore that the central exchange operator plug out the line from the telephone to which the signal apparatus is connected after the message has once been given as the device will keep continuously dialing the desired number until the circuit through the bimetal elements IIB and ||1 is broken or until the main switch is thrown in the building in which the device is installed.

Having thus fully described our invention. its utility and mode of operation, what we claim the dial, and an electrically controlled means for holding the said hingedly mounted means in the raised position operable upon energization to release the said means to movement by gravity to operative position with the dial, "and means for sending a predetermined message through the transmitter after'raising of the receiver.

2. A device of the character described for use With a telephone having a receiver, a transmitter and a manually operable dial including a rotating disc having an aperture, comprising a means for raising the receiver to make connection with a central exchange, means for rotating the dial disc to call the desired telephone number, said dial rotating means including a member rotatable on the dial axis, a finger connected therewith for engagement in the apertured disc to turn the same a predetermined distance to dial successive digits of the telephone number to be called, said dial rotating means. being normally out of engagement with the dial, electrically controlled meansenergizable through the raising of the receiver for moving the dial rotating finger to position in the said aperture to rotate the dial disc at a predetermined time.

3. A device of the character described for use with a telephone having a receiver, and amanually operable dial, comprising thermally controlled means for lifting the receiver to make connection with a central exchange, automatic means normally out of engagement with the dial for operating the same, electrically controlled means for moving the said automatic means into engagement with the dial at a predetermined time, and means for setting the automatic means in operationafter its engagement with the dial for dialing a predetermined telephone number, said meansl including a rotatable toothed element for making and breaking a circuit, and means for blanking certain of the teeth about the periphery whereby a'ny predetermined telephone number may be called.-

4. A device of the character described for use with a telephone having a receiver, a transmitter,

and a manually operable'dial comprising thermally controlled means for lifting the receiver to make connection with a central exchange, automatic means manually movable toposition out of engagement with the dial, electrically controlled means for moving the said automatic V electrically controlled means into engagement with the dial at a predetermined time. means for setting the automatic means in operation after its engagement withthe dial for dialing a predetermined telephone number, said means including a rotatable toothed element for making and breaking a. circuit. and means for blanking certain of the teeth about the periphery whereby any predetermined telephone number may be called and-means for sending a predetermined' message through the transmitter after raising of the receiver.

5. A device of the character described'for use with a telephone having a receiver, and a manually operable dial comprising a rotatable arm having a portion for engaging the dial to rotate the same, means for positively rotating the arm in one direction a predetermined distance, means for releasing the said rotating means after the arm has traveled a predetermined distance, to

permit the dial and the arm to return to their initial position, a housing carrying'said arm andV rotating and releasing means therefor, said housing being mounted to be manually moved to position out of engagement with the dial and thermally controlled means for raising the receiver to make connection with a central exchange prior to actuation of the said rotating means and then to move the said housing to position the said rotatable arm with the said dial engaging portion thereof in engagement with the dial.

v 6. A device of the character described for use with a telephone having a receiver, and amanually operable apertured dial comprising a housing, a rotatable arm positioned below and supported by the housing having an extension for engaging in one Kof the apertures in the dial, means in the housing for rotating the arm in one direction, a second means also in the housing for releasing the rst said means at a predetermined time to permit the dial and arm to return to their 'initial position, said housing being movably supported and normally positioned with the rotatable arm out of engagement with the dial and electrically controlled means for raising the receiver to make connection with a central exchange and then moving the housing to position the arm and actuating the same to turn the dial.

'1. A device of the character described for use with a telephone having a receiver, a transmitter, and a manually operable apertured dial comprising a housing, an arm positioned below the housing and rotatable about an axis, having a portion for engaging in one of the apertures in the dial, means in the housing for positively rotating the arm in one direction a predetermined distance, means also in the housing for releasing the said rotating means after the arm has traveled a predetermined distance to permit the dial and the arm to return to their initial position, said hous- 

